Where is God?

Rabbi Irwin Wiener, D.D.


A couple had two little boys, ages 8 and 10, who were excessively mischievous. The

two were always getting into trouble and their parents could be assured that if any

mischief occurred in their town, their two young sons were in some way involved.

The parents were at their wits’ end as to what to do about their sons’ behavior.

The mother had heard that a rabbi in town had been successful in disciplining

children in the past (not by hitting them on their fingers if they mispronounced

their Hebrew lessons), so she asked her husband if he thought they should send

the boys to speak with the rabbi.

The husband said, “We might as well. We need to do something before I really

lose my temper!” The rabbi agreed to speak with the boys, but asked to see

them individually. The eight-year old went to meet him first. The rabbi sat the boy

down and asked him sternly, “Where is God?”

The boy made no response, so the rabbi repeated the question in an even sterner

tone, “Where is God?” Again the boy made no attempt to answer. So the rabbi raised

his voice even more and shook his finger in the boy’s face, “Where is God?”

At that the boy bolted from the room and ran directly home, slamming himself in the

closet. His older brother followed him into the closet and asked what happened. The

younger brother replied, “We are in BIG trouble this time. God is missing and they

think we did it!”

I thought of this story when recounting the many deeds of benevolence performed

by so many.
Many things happen during our journey of life – happy as well as

sad events occur that give us pause. Sometimes we wonder about the existence of

God and even question God’s participation in our lives. Some even doubt that God

is a reality. How could bad things happen to good people? How is it possible for

children to suffer? Why is there poverty and hunger? The questions are, in some

instances, mind boggling.

But then I look around and see the wonders of God in the works of His creation – you!

The men and women who strive to bring meaning to our lives through our religious

expressions are the personification of a truth – and that truth is that God works through

us to accomplish the impossible. We are a practical people. We do not wait for

miracles to happen – we create these miracles that give us strength and purpose and

meaning. This is how God works – we are the miracles waiting to occur.

Each of us can make life more bearable. Each of us can lift the burdens of despair.

Each of us can comfort and offer solace in times of sorrow. This is how God works –

we are the legions sent by God.

We, are blessed because many men, women and children, regardless of background

and age display a dedication, not only to our own survival and continuity, but also the

larger community, knowing full well that each of us is responsible for the many – not just

a few. Maimonides reminded us of this when he wrote that God wants your heart,

because the intention of your heart is the measure of what you do.

As a rabbi I watch in amazement, the many miracles performed, mostly unknowingly,

in the name of God. We may not think about God when we perform these acts of

loving kindness, but believe me, they are the miracles of everyday life. Each day our

participation ensures that the many faces of God are revealed and we are reminded of

this through our actions.

Where is God? He is sitting in every sanctuary, every pew occupied by all

of you. We don’t have to worry about God being missing – He will never be missing

as long as you are here. And, if by some chance, He is missing, it is only because we

permitted Him to slip through our fingers of indifference and disregard for the sanctity of

life.